How much does camping cost at Clackamas Lake?

Camping fees at Clackamas Lake are $30/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Clackamas Lake first-come first-served or reservation?

Clackamas Lake accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Clackamas Lake before I book?

Yes! Clackamas Lake has 5 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Clackamas Lake?

Clackamas Lake is open May 22 to September 07. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Clackamas Lake?

Clackamas Lake does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

How many campsites does Clackamas Lake have?

Clackamas Lake has 49 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Clackamas Lake?

Yes, pets are allowed at Clackamas Lake. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Clackamas Lake?

Clackamas Lake offers: Restrooms, Potable Water, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Clackamas Lake?

Popular activities at Clackamas Lake include Hiking, Fishing, Swimming, Boating, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Clackamas Lake

Q: Can I have a campfire at Clackamas Lake?

Fire policies at Clackamas Lake: Fire Restrictions: Fire restrictions may be imposed at any time due to hot, dry weather conditions, at which time campfires and charcoal fires may not be allowed.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

4.10

66 reviews

Top 3% in ORSpring

C-Report Card

Featured in:RV Camping Oregon

Quick Facts

3,400 ft

Price

$30/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

49 campsites

Season

Open May 23, 2025, t...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on Mount Hood Recreation Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

3,400 ft

Price

$30/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

49 campsites

Season

Open May 23, 2025, t...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on Mount Hood Recreation Official Website

Get Directions

Clackamas Lake

$30.00 / night

Campsite Fees

EQUESTRIAN NONELECTRIC: $30.00; STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $30.00; TENT ONLY NONELECTRIC: $30.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8...

No campsite fee categories listed.

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Provider

503-630-5721jacob@alaskarm.com

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Campground Map

Clackamas Lake

45.0956, -121.7465

Weather at Clackamas Lake

Current alerts(5)

Click here for more information on Mt. Hood National Forest
Don't Move Firewood: Please protect Pacific Northwest forests by preventing the spread of invasive species. Firewood can carry insects and diseases that can threaten the health of our western forests.
In accordance with standard industry practices, Mount Hood Recreation will be assessing an additional vehicle fee on the second vehicle in each single family campsite, and on the third and fourth vehicle in any double family campsite, provided these vehicles are not joined to…
Off-road vehicle use is prohibited within the campground

Best Time to Camp at Clackamas Lake

Best season: spring. Spring (late May–June) combines mild mountain days and cool nights with awakening wildflowers, active wildlife, and some of the best fishing and paddling as Clackamas Lake warms. Expect daytime highs roughly 55–70°F and nights in the 30s–40s; trails are green and the forest feels fresh, but mosquitoes start to increase as the season progresses. Crowd levels are generally lower than mid-summer—weekends can be busy but weekdays are peaceful—making it ideal for hiking, horseback rides from the equi Peak months: June, May, September, July Avoid: October, November, December, January

Best

Spring(Mar-May)

4.5 / 5

Top 3% in OR

Overview: 'Best season: spring' — mild days, good fishing/paddling and wildflowers noted by reviewers.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 22 to September 07. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open May 23, 2025, to Sep 7, 2025, during peak season.

About Clackamas Lake

Clackamas Lake sits in the Mt. Hood National Forest foothills, operated by Mount Hood Recreation as a mid-sized seasonal campground with tent and RV sites. The location offers direct access to the Pacific Crest Trail, a swim-friendly lake for paddling and fishing, and equestrian corrals for horse campers. Vault toilets and potable water serve the forested sites, though maintenance and camp host presence can be inconsistent.

Clackamas Lake Campground accommodates various camping styles, including RV, tent, and equestrian camping. Group camping is available, though details are minimal.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: spring. Spring (late May–June) combines mild mountain days and cool nights with awakening wildflowers, active wildlife, and some of the best fishing and paddling as Clackamas Lake warms. Expect daytime highs roughly 55–70°F and nights in the 30s–40s; trails are green and the forest feels fresh, but mosquitoes start to increase as the season progresses. Crowd levels are generally lower than mid-summer—weekends can be busy but weekdays are peaceful—making it ideal for hiking, horseback rides from the equi Peak months: June, May, September, July Avoid: October, November, December, January

Elevation3400 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryDense pine forest surrounds the campground, with a green understory of ferns and moss that thrives in the cool mountain environment. The small Clackamas Lake sits within the campground itself, while Timothy Lake. Three miles away. Offers a larger body of water for boating and swimming. Mt. Hood occasionally appears through gaps in the trees. The terrain is volcanic in origin, shaped by Oregon's highest peak. The lush, marshy areas near the lake create prime mosquito habitat, especially in late spring and early summer.

Lodging & AccommodationsThere is no evidence of hotel-style lodging accommodations within the campground. Nearby cabins in the Clackamas Lake Historic District might be an option.

Programs & ActivitiesThe Clackamas Lake Ranger Station Historic District offers educational opportunities related to the area's rustic architecture and Forest Service history. This is a popular attraction for visitors.

Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum Stay Limit: up to 14 nights during a visit per rolling 30-day period.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov online platform, mobile app, or contact center.

AccessibilityThe campground offers accessible vault toilets, though there is no specific information on ADA-compliant campsites or additional accessibility features.

Site SizeCampsite sizes are variable. Some reviewers mention large sites suitable for multiple tents or RVs, while others note cramped or uneven spots. Equestrian sites have additional space for horse trailers.

PrivacySites offer some privacy due to the dense forest and green understory. However, noise issues from neighboring campsites are frequently mentioned in reviews.

Total Campsites49 campsites

Recommended SitesSite #30 was noted as spacious and well-maintained. Horse sites are generally praised for the availability of potable water and corrals.

Need help booking Clackamas Lake?

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Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

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Cancellation Alerts

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Amenities available

Clackamas Lake Campground offers a range of facilities designed to cater to both traditional and equestrian campers. The campground is noted for its heavily wooded environment, providing a serene and forested atmosphere. The 49-site facility includes 11 equestrian sites featuring corrals (2-4 corrals per site). These equestrian sites can only be reserved by campers with horses. Campsites are a mix of reservable and first-come, first-serve options. The lake's proximity is a major draw, but its small size (3 acres) and shallow depth limit activities like pontoon or kayak usage. The campground is also near the historic Clackamas Lake Ranger Station. Reviewers have commented on cleanliness and maintenance issues, with some praising clean vault toilets, while others noted unkempt bathrooms and lack of supplies like toilet paper. Firewood may run out during peak times. Accessible vault toilets, parking areas, fire pits, tent pads, and horse stalls are mentioned amenities.

Potable water

Fire rings

Firewood available

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

Things to do at Clackamas Lake

Clackamas Lake Campground provides a mix of water-based and land-based recreation. Fishing, swimming, and non-motorized boating are the primary water activities. On land, campers can enjoy hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding. The Miller Trail links to the Pacific Crest Trail, offering extended hiking opportunities. Wildlife viewing is a notable activity, with species like trout and small amphibians (e.g., frogs) frequently mentioned.

Hiking4.0/5

Direct access to Miller Trail and the Pacific Crest Trail; multiple nearby hikes.

Fishing4.0/5

Fishing is a key attraction; cutthroat, brook, rainbow and brown trout reported.

Wildlife viewing3.5/5

Variety of birds, aquatic creatures and forest wildlife reported; good habitat in dense forest.

Boating3.0/5

Non-motorized boating (canoes/kayaks) possible but lake is small; Timothy Lake nearby for more boating.

Swimming2.0/5

Cultural and Educational Programs

Signature experiences

Photography3.5/5Forested lake, trails and mossy understory make for good photo subjects; small/shallow lake limits variety.

Not sure what to pack?Our complete camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Flush ToiletsNo flush toilets are mentioned in the materials; accessible vault toilets are the primary restroom facility available.

No Dump StationThere is no dump station at this campground. Plan to use a dump station along your route or at a nearby facility before or after your stay.

Fire PolicyFire Restrictions: Fire restrictions may be imposed at any time due to hot, dry weather conditions, at which time campfires and charcoal fires may not be allowed.

Trash & RecyclingTrash disposal is available on-site. For horse site users, black bags for manure disposal are provided by the host, but there is no designated compost area.

Cell CoverageNo specific information on cell phone service availability. Reviewers do not explicitly mention reliable connectivity.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

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Tips from campers

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.1

66 reviews

Satisfactory

Clackamas Lake is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews for Clackamas Lake Campground are mixed, with many praising the natural beauty and access to trails, but others highlighting issues such as mosquitoes, lack of maintenance, and noise from neighboring sites. Some users report excellent experiences with helpful hosts and clean facilities, while others note the absence of hosts leading to chaos.

Review Summaries

Based on 66 reviews

What Campers Love

Many reviewers appreciate the clean vault toilets, proximity to the Pacific Crest Trail, and the general beauty of the forested environment. Equestrian campers commend the availability and condition...

Based on 66 reviews

Common Concerns

Frequent issues include excessive mosquitoes, unmaintained facilities, lack of camp hosts, and noise disturbances from other campers playing loud music. Some equestrian campers have expressed...

Based on 66 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site-specific reviews are mixed. Site 30 is praised for its large size, while Site 13 is noted to be difficult to maneuver.

Based on 66 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend bringing bug repellents and purchasing firewood in advance. Visitors also suggest exploring nearby attractions like Timothy Lake and Little Crater Lake and preparing for limited...

Based on 66 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer sees a high influx of mosquitoes and occasional issues with noise and unkempt facilities. Fall and spring are likely quieter but lack detailed reviews for trends.

Based on 66 reviews

Camper Quotes

"The vault toilets were the cleanest I have ever been to." - Michael N. "Campground not maintained, no camp host." - Michael S. "The mosquitoes were absolutely unrelenting." - Tobin T. "Beautiful...

Based on 66 reviews

Accessibility Features

No reviews explicitly address accessibility features for those with disabilities.

Based on 66 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Reviews frequently mention pets, particularly dogs, but also highlight issues like unleashed pets causing disturbances at campsites.

Based on 66 reviews

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Clackamas Lake

$30.00 / night

Campsite Fees

EQUESTRIAN NONELECTRIC: $30.00; STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $30.00; TENT ONLY NONELECTRIC: $30.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8...

No campsite fee categories listed.

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free to start · paid plans add 2-min scans

263,000+ sites monitored · Email alerts to start; SMS and in-app with an account

Learn more about alerts →

Share this campground

Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

503-630-5721jacob@alaskarm.com

Go if

You want Pacific Crest Trail proximity, lake access for paddling and fishing, or need equestrian corrals in a forested mountain setting.

Skip if

You require consistent camp host presence, immaculate facilities, or guaranteed quiet from neighboring campers.

Nearby Campgrounds

Less Visited

4.2

(8)

Clackamas Lake Historic Cabin

FOREST RD 42, ZIGZAG, OR 97049, USA

Clackamas Lake Historic Cabin sits in Mt. Hood National Forest near Zigzag, offering a rustic retreat with meadow views and access to Timothy and Clackamas Lakes. Operated by Recreation.gov, this single historic cabin features flush toilets, showers, and potable water while maintaining its vintage character. Guests hike forest trails, fish for trout, boat on nearby lakes, and enjoy long alpine evenings surrounded by old-growth forest.

Clackamas Lake

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